The Search for a Spat Bracket
Imagine trying to explain to a parts person at “Jaguar Parts” company what a Spat bracket is. Beyond the obvious definition of it’s use on a car and where it attaches; what exactly is a spat?
Well a quick search in Google brings up a link to a site defining “wheel spats” for a solar powered car. The solar car project started in 1999 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, interesting reading. Their definition of a wheel spat is:
” The wheel spat is the cover that goes over the wheels to provide a more aerodynamic shape and protects the wheel itself.”
Sounds right, but is it correct for a Jaguar? Well, I did find a bracket at XKs Unlimited in California but would prefer to find a parts car with one attached. The search continues..
The Halls Visit Jaguar in Birmingham
Actually, the entire blog isn’t about Jaguars cars like this one. It’s actually a travel log written by Tracy Hall about her trip to Europe with her husband Don. I don’t know the Halls, but I found their online documentary interesting. There is an entry on Wednesday, June 7th 2006 titled “Part XIII: Jaguar:”Where the Don and Tracy Hall visit the Jaguar Factory in Birmingham. Take a peak around and let them know what you think. The link is:
http://tracieseuropean.blogspot.com/2006/06/part-xiii-jaguar.html
Barry
Newsflash: Mark 2s are Cool
Cruising around the internet looking for decent pictures of Mark 2s I came across a website called RadioCafe. I found the site through google images and the following weblink caught my attention – www.radiocafe.co.uk/def_mark2f.htm.
The site states “Radiocafe presents the cars that define each generation. View our detailed profiles of definitive cars from a range of eras now.” Odd place to find a fun and quirky review of a Mark 2 jaguar – here some excerpts from the site.
“At its launch, the Mk2 was a groundbreaking Jaguar, a highly original car that invented the ‘sports saloon’ concept that has since evolved into one of the most popular forms of car. “
“You can hear the petrol and oil sloshing about, being forced through the engine’s pipes, chambers & valvesâ€
“Rather than being thought of as the ‘Morse Jag’, the Mk2 deserves to be revered more in the light of those sixties mob bosses, burbling round the streets of the East End. Or, even more appropriately, those caddish GP drivers, racing each other cross-country from circuit to circuit or wafting their latest young filly into town for the night… In short, it’s that classy swagger that makes the Jaguar Mk2 an extremely
cool car.”
Not only do they review the car, but being a music site, they recommend music to listen to while driving! Way cool! and yes you can buy the music from the site via web links. Very slick site that is worth the visit.Check out the site at www.radiocafe.co.uk
A Lock, a Spat and some Cool Wheels!
Today I managed to install one of the rear wheel spats on the car. (See photo below). While trying to install the spat on the rear right wheel – I discovered that the mounting bracket was missing. Oh well, another part to order from a junk yard or xks unlimited. I also cleaned up the hub caps and they definately make a difference.
I also installed the trunk lock after finding the pieces in a paint can that came with the car. While the lock seemed straightforward – I did look it up in the parts manual first. Here is the diagram for the 340. 
Next is the photo of the lock before it went back into the car. Installing the lock wasn’t difficult – unfortunately it doesn’t lock!
While it closes so that the truck lid stays closed – it doesn’t lock. Being that the key that starts the car doesn’t open the glove box or lock the truck – I probably need a new set of locks/keys. Oh well.
Next was the wheel hubs and spats. I cleaned up the wheel hubs and installed them. There are three pictures below: 1) the original wheels.. 
2) The Hub caps dirty and cleaned up. 
And finally the wheels with the cleaned hub caps, embellishers and the spat installed. 
The hub caps aren’t bad – but they need to be rechromed and the wheel embellishers are even worse. For now just getting the car together is the primary goal.
Tail Lights
Time to start putting the tail lights and chrome exterior trim on the car. After searching for parts in the various boxes, plastic tubs and paint cans that came with the car. I found the tail lights and chrome trim for the trunk. Unfortunately, the “jaguar” and the “3.4″ are broken and cannot be reused. Plus all of the tail light gaskets are shot and need to be replaced. The chrome “U” around the license plate on the boot lid is fine and the “340″ is fine and fits perfectly.  The tailight is ok but the chrome is pitted and will need to be rechromed. For now it is fine but cannot be installed on the car without some gaskets.
One step at a time…
The Carbs are Installed Finally.
Well now that the carb blocks and fuel filters have arrived it’s time to put the carbs back on the car.
And now for the intall..
With new gas, new fuel filters and rebuilt carbs the car starts and runs like a champ. However, I do have one issue: the car idle’s at 2000rpm!! I have a feeling that I might known what the issue is, but I’ll check my thoughts out first by catching up on some reading.
The Carbs are back!
After a few weeks, our carbs and the linkage they went away with came back from Tampa. I had no idea how dirty the carbs were when they went, because the carbs that returned looked new! See Photo below.
When I started to install them on the manifold, I realized that the Carburetor Manifold Blocks were bad and they needed to be replaced. So, I ordered two and waited for them to arrive before the carb s could be reinstalled. lesson learned – double check all components (I replaced the gaskets ) but forgot the manifold blocks.
The Pickup in Dallas
In Early May 2006, I drove to Dallas, to pick up the car. I wasn’t sure what the condition of the car would be, and was obviously thinking the worst. Below is where the car was stored in Dallas.
Another picture of the backlot.
The front of Jims Jags..
And finally the car on the trailer for it’s way home.
And away we go.
The Coupe’s Beginnings
In 1988 I relocated to Dallas, Texas from Northern Virginia. My employer at the time moved my job to Dallas and if I wanted it, I had to move as well. Just before I left I purchased a 76 Jaguar XJ 6 Coupe from an Uncle in Richmond. Ray Carpenter had purchased the car new and wanted me to have the car as long as I promised to restore it.
I had the car shipped to Dallas in 89 and began working on the car. In 1992, I left Texas for Georgia and the car stayed behind at my mechanics. It had a problem with bad fuel, and transmission issues. Later that year, it was broken into by some car theves who wanted the stereo. Unfortunately, they smashed the driver side window in, to get in the car. The door, however, was unlocked!
The car stayed in Dallas while I relocated around several states and earlier this year I decided to go get the car after receiving a call from Jim House, the owner of Jim’s Jags in Dallas, Texas.
A Brassy Surprise
While cleaning the aluminum door sills I decided to clean up some of the components under the hood as well. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the radiator wasn’t actually black. Here is a picture of it starting to shine, followed by a picture of it after a few minutes with never-dull.
and now the shiny version..
Obviously, I should have known that the car had a brass radiator. being a novice with this Mark2 variant I am still memorizing the service and part manuals. I have read a brief history of the car but could definately use some time with a detailed car history.
One of the problems with these radiators is there inability to maintain pressure. Only time will tell if this radiator needs to be replaced. For now, it’s just cool to have a radiator made of brass.